Electrical circuit breaker or interrupter



Jan.

1,614 169 1927' E. AICHELE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER 0R INTERRUPTER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 24. 1925 INVENTOR.

1 ,614,169 Ja 1927- E. AICHELE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIi. BREAKER OR INTERRUPTER Filed Feb. 24. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 gig m E11 INVENTOR. fizzesiz bzaz A TTORNEYS.

Patented Jan. 11, 1927 UNITED STATES ERNEST AICHEEE, 9F IRVINGTON, NEW JERSEY.

' ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER OR INTERRUPTEB.

Application filed February 24, 1925. Serial 1V0. 11,128.

This invention relates, generally, to improvements 1n repeating electrical circuitinterrupter-s; and, the present inventlon has reference, more particularly, to a novel conor int errupte struction of circuit-interrupter, made in either lug or cartridge-form, respectively, adapte to connection in the ordinary sockets or clips, to'provide, primarily, a safe-guard against injurious effects of abnormal overloads and short circuits.

The present invention, therefore, has for its principal object to provide a novel, ieliable, and simply constructed, as well as an automatically operating circuit-breaker which is especially adapted for use with the usual screw-threaded receiving sockets" of a switch-board, or a meter-board, or the like; or, in slightly modified cartridge-form with the usual-receiving clips; for interrupting an electric circuit in case of an overloadvor a short circuit, the general construction of the contact-elements of the device being such that the device can be used over and over, with- I out deteriorating effect to either the device or to the installationin which the device is located. In addition to the above-mentioned objects, however, the invention has for its further object to provide in connection with the automatically operating interrupter-mecha-v nism of the device, auxiliary interruptermeans which will act to interrupt or break the electrical circuit in which the device is placed, if for some unexpected reason the interrupter-mechanism should stick, or if some part thereof should become inoperative, so that the device will effectively serve the purposes for which it is intended.

Other objects of the present inventio not at this time more particularly enume ted will be clearly undersood from the following detailed description of the said invention.

With the various objects of the present invention in view, the said invention consists, primarily, in the novel electrical circuitbreaker or interrupter hereinafter set forth; and, the said invention consists, furthermore, in the novel arrangements and combinations of the various devices and parts, as well as in the detailsof the construction of the said parts, all of which will be'more fully described in the following specification, and then finally embodied in the clauses of the claims, which are appended to and which form an essential part of the said specification.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top-end view of a circuitinterrupter of the plug-form; Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section of the same, said section being taken on line 22 in said Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a similar section, taken on line 3-3 in said Figure 2, looking in the direction ofthe arrow :11, said views illustrating one embodiment of the principles of the present invention, and said Figures 2 and 3, showing the contact-making elements of the interrupter-mechanism in their initialpositions, when a complete electrical circuit is being established through the device.

Figures 4 and 5 are transverse sectional representations of the device, similar to Figures 2a'nd 3, respectively, showing the several contact-making elements of the interrupter-mechanism in their automaticall separated relation, caused by an overloa or-short circuit in the main line. 1

Figure 6 is a top-end view of the circuitinterrupter, with the end-cover or closure of the device omitted from said view; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the transmitter-mechanism removed from the screwthreaded plug-form of circuit-interrupter.

Figure 8 is a side elevation, and Figure 9 an end-elevation, of a circuit-interrupter embodying the principles of the present invention, made in the general cartridge-form; Figure 10 is a longitudinal vertical sectional representation of the same, showing the severalcontact-making elements of the interrupter-mechanism in their initial positions, when a complete electrical circuit is being established through the device; Figure 11 is a transverse vertical section of the same, said section being taken on line 11-11 in said Figure 10 and Figure 12 is a horizontal section of the device, said section being taken on line 12-12 in said Figure 10. looking in the direction of the arrow y,

Similar characters are employed in all of the said herein-above described views, to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring now more particularly to Figures l to 7 of the drawings, the referencecharacter 1 indicates a main'body in which .the interrupter-mechanism is arranged, the

body in this case being of the plugsform or porcelain, or

correspondifigly convoluted or screw-thread-- ed collar or ring made of suitable metal, as brass, for screwing into the usual internally screw-threaded receivingsocket of a meter or switch-board, or the like. The

lower portion of said reduced part 2 is also socketed, as at 5, for-suitable arrangement thereinof a metal thimbleor nut 6, which is internally screw-threaded, as at 7, for reception of a contact-screw 8, and upon which screw is also placed a metal plate or disc 9. In its upper part, the said body 1 is suitably chambered, as at 10, and in communication with said chamber, and extending downwardly in said body is a socketed part 11, usually of a rectangular or square cross sectional configuration. Suitably mounted upon the upper end-surface of said body 1 is a suitably formed cover or closure 12, also made of a-suitable insulating material, said cover being secured in closing position upon said body by an arrangement of screws 13, or other suitable fastening means. The said cover or closure 12 is also made with an openin 14, in alinement with and conforming in s ape'to the cross-sectional configuration of the previously-mentioned socketed part 11. Leading from the chamber 10 of the body 1, and extending downwardly through the reduced part 2 of said body, 15 a suitably shaped duct 15. The interrupter-mechanism arranged within the said bod 1, in the manner to be presently describe and which as will be evident is an automatically operating mechanical switch, consists, essentially, of asuitably sha d manipulating stem or plug, as 16,

which extends across the chamber 10, and has its upper end-portion 17 extending into the opemm 14, and normally slightly above the outer Face of the cover or closure 12, substantially. as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings. The lower end-portion of the said stem or plug 16, which is also preferably socketed, as at 18, extends int'o the socket-part 11, said lower end=portion of the stem or lug 16, resting upon the upper end of a coi -sprin 19, arranged in said socketed parts 11 and 1s, as'indicated in Figures 2, 3,4 and 5 of the drawings. Upon its one side, the said stem or plug 16 is provided with a suitably formed projection-20, providing a stop-member, said projection ex tending laterally into. the chamber 10, at a point directly above and substantially in alinement with the previously mentioned duct 15. Suitably secured by means of solder, or otherwise, to said metal plate or disc 9 is an angular end-portion 22 of a resilient or spring-arm 21, madeof a thermo-static metal, which extends in an upward direction into and through the duct 15, with the upper end-portion 23 thereof projecting: into the chamber 10. Suitably secured to said end-portion 23 by means 01 ascrew-stud 24 and a nut 25, or in any other suitable manner, is a projection 26- which acts as a holding or retaining member, when brought into engagement with the stop-member 20 of the stem or plug 16. (Imbedd'ed in the said stem or lug 16 with its end-portions 28 and 29 pro ecting on opposite sides of the stem or plug 16 is a metal plate or bar 27, the end-portion 29 of which is connected by means of a lead-wire 30 with the upper end-portion of the resilient or spring-arm 21. Under normal conditions, the opposite end-portion 28 of the said plate or bar 27 is in contact with a.mernber 32 of another metal bar or plate 31, which extends from -the chamber 10, into the body 1 and part of the reduced part 2, in which it is imbedded and has its end-portion 33 in electrical contact. with a portion ofthe metal collar or ring 4, as represented in Figures 3,and 5 of the drawings.

Having in the foregoing describe the general construction and arr'angemen f the several devices and parts of ,1 e circuitbreaker or interrupter of the screw-plug form, I will now briefly set forth its use in connection with the usual receiving sockets of a meter or switch-board, and also for breaking an electric circuit when there is an overload or a short circuit.

Direction of the electric circuit through the circuit-breaker or interrupter, when screwed in the socket, and when the various members of the'interrupten-mechanism have been set in the positions indicated in Figures 2 and 3, by pushing the stem or plug 16 in an inward direction, is through the screw 8, the plate or disc 9, to the end-portion 22.0 the thermostatic arm 21, thence by means of the lead-wire 30 to the plate or bar 27, thence by the contact-member 32 of the plate or bar 31, and by means of its end 33 to the metal collar or ring 4, thuscompleting the electric circuit with the socket mm which the device has been screwed. Thus, when the various partsof the device are in their set positions indicated in said Figures 2' a complete electricand 3 of the drawings, circuit is established. At the moment, however, as an overload or short circuit occurs in the main line, the abnormal current will cause the thermostatic arm 21 to move laterally within the duct 15, thereby automatically causing the disengagement or separation of the two members 26 and 20, as indicated in Figure 4. The compressed spring 19 now becomes active, causing the setting stem or plug 16 to fly in an outward direcill I tion, and thereby breaking the electric cir- The Outward movement of the stem or plu 16 is arrested by contact of the end-port ons 28 and 29 of the plate or bar 27 with the 'under surface of the cover or closures 12 of the device, without destroying the usefulness of the circuit-breaker or interrupter, the parts of which can again be set by the proper manipulation of the setting stem or plug 16, as will be evident. 1,

It will thus be understood that the device is readily applicable to meter or switchboards, and to any other electricalinstrumentalities, in lieu of the usual and readily destructible fuse-plugs at present in ordinary use, and that the device when inserted in the linevcan be used over and over.

As a precaution, in case of any inoperativeness of the movable parts of the inter-- rupter-mechanism, due to sticking, or due' to a weight caused by a foreign ob ect care lessl laced u)on or leanin aqainst the l 7 b I end-portion 17 of the said stem or plug 16,

which would prevent movement of the same, and hence separation of the contact-members 32 and "28, so that the electrical circuit would not be interrupted, it may be desirable to make the lead-wire of a fusible metal, which will readily melt away when there is an overloador short-circuit, as will be evident, this metal, however, of which the lead-wire is inade being of such consistency that it will not fuse as long as the movable parts of the interrupter-mechanism are operative to break the electrical circuit when there is an overload or a short-circuit.

Referring now to "Figures 8 to 12 of the drawings, I haveishown in said figures a circuit-breaker or interrupter embodying the principles of the present invention, but in which the device is'made in cartridge-form to be used with the usual spring-clips for inserting the device in a mam electriealline.

In said figures, the reference-character 34 indicates a block-like or rectangular main main body 34 is also provided with a rebody, of any suitable insulating material, which is chambered, as at 35, andis also formed with a communicating duct, as 36.

Extending from the ends of said body are c lindrical, or other suitably shaped extensions 37 and 38, which are respectively encased in thetubular contact-making shells 39 and 40, the'main' portions of saidshells being embodied in the said main body 34 by. being imbedded therein, during the molding process. The lower portion of the said ceiving socket 41 and its upper open portion is closed by a cover 42, suitably secured to said body by means of screws 43, or other suitable fastening means. This cover 42 is provided with an opening 44 corresponding to and, in alinement with the reviouslymentioned socket 41. Movably isposed in said socket 41 is the lower )ortion of a stem or plug 45 made of insulating material, said plug resting upon a coiled spring 46, within said socket 41, substantially as represented in Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings. At its one side, the said stem or plug 45 is made with aprojcction 47 providing a stop, and in suitable location, the said plug is also made with a laterally extending opening 48. Extending in an upward directlOIlflOlll said opening 48, through the upper ceutralportion of said plug is a duct 49, the upper end of which is closed by means of a suitably shaped member 50, which provides a finger or push-piece for said plug 45, as will be evident from an inspection of,

said rod or stem 51, between said plate 52 and the finger or push-piece 50, is a coiled spring 54, the purpose of which is to normally force, the projecting end-portion 55 of the plate 52 into electrical contact with the member 57 of a metallic conductor 56 which, in turn, has its lower endortion united with a part 58 of the previous y menupper end-portion 62 thereof terminating in the chamber 35. Suitably secured to said end-portion 62 by means of a screw-stud- 63 and a nut 64, or in any other suitable manner, is a projection 65 which acts as a holding or retaining member, when brought into engagement with the stop-member 47 of the.

stem or plug 45. The upper end-portion of said resilient or spring-arm 61 is also suit,- ably connected, bymeans of. a lead-wire 66 with the end portion 55 of the contaet-mak ing plate 52, preferably by means of a member 67 of said plate, substantially as show? in Figures 10 and 12- of the drawings.

Direction of the electric circuit through this form of circuit-breaker or interrupter, when secured by .means of the contactmaking shells 3S) and 40, between the usual spring contact-clips, and when the members of the interrupter-mechanism have been set in the positions indicated in said Figure 10, by pushing the stem or plug 45 in a downward direction, is through the shell 40, the

screw 60, to the end portion 62 of the ther mostatic arm 61, thence bymeans of the lead-wire 66 to the member 67 of the plate or bar 52, thence by the contactrmember 57 of the conductor 56, and the said conductor, completing the electric-circuit with the shell 39, and by means of the latter with the contact-clips, between which said shell 39 hasbeen sprung. As soon, however, as an overload or short circuit occurs in the main line, the abnormal current will cause the thermostatic arm 61 to move laterally within the duct 36, thereby automatically causing the disengagement or, separation of. the two members 65 and 4': Immediately the compressed spring 4:6 becomes active, causing the stem or plug 45 to fly in an outward direction, and thetebyseparating the endportion 55 of the plate 52 from contact with the member 57 of thcbonductor 56, thus in-J terrupting the circuit, as will be evident.

For the same reasons as heretofore stated in connection withithe device described and illustrated in'Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, the lead-wire 66in this case may be made of a fusible metaL.

I am fully aware; that changes may be made in the general arrangements andcombinations of thes'everal devices and parts, as well, as'in the details of the construction of the said parts, without departing from the scope of the present invention 'asset forth inv the foregoing specification, and as defined in the clauses of the claims which are appended to the saidspecification. Hence, I do not limit' my present invention to the exact arrangements and combinations of the several' devices and parts as described j in the'said'specification, nor do- I confine tion of the said parts as illustrated myself to the exact details of the construcin the accompanying drawings.

I claim:-

'- 1. A repeating. circuit-breaker exterior contacts mounted thereon, an infixed electrical comprising a main body of insulating material having (this 20th ternal fixed contact, a longitudinally movable spring-released push-plug, said plug being provided with a laterally extending opening, a contact-establishing element disposed within said opening and having porv tions extending beyond the opposite sides of said plug, one end-portion of which is en- 'gageable with said fixed contact, a -thermostatic control-arm within said body, a detent-means between said arm and the plug for holding said plug in its depressed position within said main body to produce electrical engagement between said contacttablishing element and said fixedcontact, and electrical conducting means between said control-arm and the oppositelyvextend ing end-portion of the contact-establish ng.

element.

2. A circuit-breaker comprising abody of- A insulating material provided with ais'crewportion and a metal screw-collar thereon for. sore-win the device into a receiving-socket,

said bo y being formed with a duct,,'com-.

bined with a circuit-closing mechanism within said body, consisting of a springcontrolled push-plug provided with a'latera stop-memberconally extending opening, I nected with said plug, a spring-controlled thermostatic control-arm movably disposed within said duct and provided with means,

cngageable with said stop-means for. main taining the push-plugin its depressed. pos1-' tion, a fixed electrical contact withinsaid body, a contact-establishing element dis"- posed within the opening of said push-plug and having end-portions extending from the opposite sides of said push-plug, onefendportion of which is engageable with said tween said control-arm and the oppositely lishing element.

' In" testimony, that I claim the invention set forth above I day of February, 1925.

. ERNEST AICHELE.

contact, and a lead-wire be-- have-hereunto set my hand 

